by Brian D. Holland.

Weary and Wired

Ford’s vocal nuance evokes Chris Robinson in places. He doesn’t really sound like him, but it’s easy to imagine Robinson singing the melody to much of the material. There’s a lot more lead guitar and improvisation on this CD than on Crowes records. And again, many influences are prevalent, like the obvious punk vibe in opener ‘Featherweight Dreamland’ and Neil Young presence in ‘Smoke Signals’. Keep in mind that these are comparable influences I’m talking about, as the album is fresh, and completely Marc Ford in essence.

‘Don’t Come Around’ begins with sluggish, muffled guitar chops, a very familiar intro to Crowes fans. While this interesting song gives off a slight Deep Purple ‘Maybe I’m A Leo’ ambiance, it's also in an atypical Crowes space. ‘It’ll Be Over Soon’ is a vibrant country rocker in the Americana vein of Gram Parsons and Steve Earle. There’s a Tom Petty vibe in ‘Dirty Girl’. Exuberant lead lines, a colorful bridge section, and repetitive riffs reminiscent of old Cream, work together to make ‘1000 Ways’ the quintessential rocker that it is. The lead solo is extremely suggestive of Clapton, in style and tone. ‘Greazy Chicken’ is a six minute instrumental that gets the funk out in an energetic way. It’s the tease you hear after opening www.whymusticry.com on the Internet. ‘Currents’ is, once again, in a Neil Young mode, yet mellow this time. Willie Dixon’s ‘The Same Thing’ is swampy and gritty blues, thick on wah-wah and warm guitar tone. The instrumental gets into some heavy funk as well. ‘Bye Bye Suzy’ is in turbo Chuck Berry mode, and doesn’t stop rockin’ until it’s over.

Weary and Wired is an extraordinary collection of songs, and that’s coming from a fan who would usually rather hear Ford alongside the Robinson Brothers and the rest of the Black Crowes than in any other setting. His current sobriety, supposedly the main reason for leaving the Crowes, appears to be paying off, as his guitar playing is top notch. His voice is mediocre, yet listenable and easy on the ears. Weary and Wired is more laid back and less extravagant than It’s About Time, his previous effort, and most of the recording is done as a trio. Nevertheless, if you liked the first one, chances are you’ll like this one as well. Though fresh, lively, and very American sounding, the essence of pure rock and roll is its most unique quality.

Weary and Wired Track Listing

1. Featherweight Dreamland
2. Don’t Come Around
3. It’ll Be Over Soon
4. Dirty Girl
5. The Other Side
6. 1000 Ways
7. Smoke Signals
8. Greazy Chicken
9. Currents
10. Just Take The Money
11. Medicine Time
12. The Same Thing
13. Running Man Blues
14. Bye Bye Suzy
15. The Big Callback

2007 - Blues Bureau International (Shrapnel Records Inc)

Marc Ford: guitars and vocals
Muddy: bass
Doni Gray: drums
(other performers unknown at this writing)

Links
Why Must I Cry (Marc Ford)
Weary And Wired on Amazon.com